Best Fishing Kayaks for Your Money

Spread the love

Hanging out by your favorite beach or lake spot makes for the perfect afternoon. What better way to explore your chosen places than by being out on the water in your own kayak catching some fish? Whether it is just you or you decide to bring a friend, spouse, or favorite pet along, there is a wide variety of kayaks you can choose to maximize your kayaking and fishing adventures!

With so many options coming in at different price ranges, it can be difficult to choose which one is the best fishing kayak for you. Luckily for you, we’re here to help! We’ve compiled a list of three fishing kayaks currently available on the market and have analyzed which one provides the most bang for your buck.

Best Fishing Kayak Reviews

1. Vibe Kayaks Skipjack

For the modest, middle-of-the-road price, the Skipjack has all you need for lake or river adventures. It is a single-person, sit-on-top kayak that is sturdy enough for you to stand upon, allowing you a break from sitting and better angles for those extra-large catches.

At nine feet long and 46 pounds, it is compact, so it is easy to maneuver in the water. However, this does mean that this kayak is lacking in storage space. It is equipped with three sealed hatches with bag inserts and a rear bungee tank, allowing you to keep your belongings dry and your catches wet.

With a 300-pound capacity, it can hold quite the load, especially considering you won’t have another passenger. It has five, capped, flush mounted rod holders that will allow you to bring out all of your fishing gear to maximize the day’s catch. In addition, the Vibe Skipjack has six scupper holes for efficient drainage so that your kayak never takes on too much water.

The five, easy-grip handles allow for easy transportation, especially when moving in and out of your vehicle and the water. It comes equipped with one paddle and a padded seat, but the seat tends to be a bit uncomfortable and does not stay in place well regardless of how well it is strapped down.

Pros

Compact size

Easy maneuverability

Steady tracking for the size of the product

Cons

2. Brooklyn Kayak Company Fishing Kayak

This is a great model of a kayak, especially if you plan on being out in the ocean and on rougher lakes and rivers. At twelve feet, five inches it is a bit larger than other fishing models, but this is because it has the capacity for two people. This being said, it can still be maneuvered by one, making it perfect for different adventures.

It is a sit-on-top kayak as well, which is nice for getting better angles when fishing and makes for easier maneuverability. It also has a massive 440-pound capacity, which is plenty for you and your companion as well as all of your necessary gear for the day.

It has seven fishing rod holders, three of which are adjustable, making it adaptable to your fishing needs. The two paddles that come with it are collapsible and snap apart easily so that when you need to store them in a pinch, you easily can.

This kayak comes complete with two waterproof compartments, allowing you to keep all of your belongings dry on those ocean sessions. The eight scupper holes are arranged around the kayak, maximizing the drainage potential. You also have the option to add a rudder and a trolling motor, which is perfect for calm days out on the water.

Also, with four carrying handles, it is easy to transport, considering its size. While being a bit more expensive than other similar models on the market, this kayak does come with a one-year warranty, so if any unforeseen mishaps are to happen, you can rest easy knowing your money will be reimbursed.

Pros

Cons

3. Sun Dolphin Excursion Fishing Kayak

This ten foot, sit-in kayak has a 250-pound capacity and is both lightweight and economical. This is an excellent kayak for calm waters such as lakes or rivers.

It comes with two flush mounted rod holders and one swivel holder. It is relatively basic in its storage potential, having just the large center compartment. Nevertheless, it is built for just one person so although it lacks storage space, it is spacious for those with long legs or larger statures.

Unfortunately, there is no paddle included, which is a significant downfall to this kayak. However, if you are purchasing this for a beginner and already have spare paddles, it wouldn’t matter much, and the savings on price for this model can be significant.

Pros

Lightweight

Cheapest of the three

Plenty of legroom

Great for beginners

Cons

Verdict

For those planning on doing mostly solo kayaking primarily in lakes and rivers, the Skipjack provides the best bang for your buck. It is priced moderately compared to other similar models and will not break the bank for what it has to offer. As opposed to the Sun Dolphin, it comes with a paddle, which if you do not already own a spare, is a big plus in addition to having multiple dry storage compartments.

The Sun Dolphin is a great, straightforward model for beginners, but it is a bit too stripped down for a comfortable full-day outing on the water, especially if you are getting a prolific catch. In addition, the Skipjack is a smaller model, so it being more compact and more stable has a significant advantage over the Sun Dolphin.

The price of the Brooklyn is its biggest downfall, so if you are not on a budget, it is a great option. It comes with many great perks, including the multiple paddles, many dry storage compartments, and two-person seating capacity. Nonetheless, the Skipjack offers many similar features at a lower price and in a smaller size.

All in all, if you do not have enough money to spare for your next kayak purchase, the Skipjack is worth considering. With a paddle included, multiple rod holders, handles for easy transportation, and the perfect size and weight, the Skipjack is our choice for the best fishing kayak.

Important Information

Follow us

Disclaimer

Some recommended products may use affiliate links. SkilledFishing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates.